Today's quad-core servers are powerful enough to run the most complex applications available. In some ways the days of bloated code are back, but execution time is less noticeable due to these multicore chips.

The fast-growing x86-based server virtualization market stands unique from a competitive perspective. It's not just that the market is overwhelmingly dominated by VMware. Instead, the alternatives are an eclectic mix of startups, open-source developers, no-names, and a group of companies more used to being on top.

When Intel Corp. President and CEO Paul Otellini tells the crowd at the Consumer Electronics Show that ultramobile PCs (UMPCs) are going to spearhead "the largest opportunity to redefine consumer electronics and entertainment since the introduction of the television," solution providers have to stand up and take notice.

Brian Lisse, owner and manager of Madison Computer Works, says that after 25 years in business, the nightmares from vendors that didn't offer any support stay with him. But with Acer Inc., there's never been a support snafu that had him losing any sleep. "They just have a really low failure rate, which is why we like them," he said.

CRN's 2018 MSP 500
With the fast-growing -- and fast-changing -- MSP landscape in mind, CRN has again assembled the MSP 500, an annual list that recognizes North American solution providers with cutting-edge approaches to managed services.